This topic is locked
So, here goes (I formatted it for you
)[b[b][/b]]Do you think the "Lie" was acceptable in the context of fair competiton?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]Do you think the punishment already administered by Mclaren and the FIA is far enough?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]Do you think Ryan has been fairly treated? Is he just a scape goat? Should he have been sacked?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]Do you think that the "Lie" started and ended with Ryan? Is it part of endemic culture of lying within Mclaren?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]How much responsibility should Hamilton take? Is it fair for him to run?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]How responsible is whitmarsh?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]Do the FIA have a share of responsibility?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]If Mclaren are found guilty, what do you think would be a fair punishment?[/b]
[b[b][/b]]Overall thoughts on the affair.[/b]
and finally....
[b[b][/b]]Will Heikki make lap 2 in Shanghai?[/b]
and my answers:
Do you think the "Lie" was acceptable in the context of fair competiton?
Yeah, in the sense that other people would have done it. In the true spirit of competition, no, it wasn't fair, but I think other teams would take every opportunity. I see it less as deep rooted lying and more a simple case of opportunism.
Do you think the punishment already administered by Mclaren and the FIA is far enough?
Yeah, they got caught, and they got their slap on the wrist. Anything else seems a bit too far. I see no reason to go to the extent of the BAR fuel tanks.
Do you think Ryan has been fairly treated? Is he just a scape goat? Should he have been sacked?
No. I think he's been sacked because the FIA will demand to see that it started and ended with Ryan. By getting rid of him, Mclaren have acted to show that they dealt with it internally. He should remain suspended until the end of the FIA action, then depending on the action taken, be dealt with. If the FIA result in another 2007 affair and Mclaren lose all their points, then yes, he should be sacked as the effect ripples over the whole team, but in that case, Whitmarsh should, unfortunately, take some of the responsibility. However I feel 10 minutes of action undermining a 30 odd year career is extremely unfair.
Do you think that the "Lie" started and ended with Ryan? Is it part of endemic culture of lying within Mclaren?
The lie started and ended with Ryan and was total ooportunism. I think it's part of the cut throat nature of F1 in general and any other director would do the same if they had the chance
How much responsibility should Hamilton take? Is it fair for him to run?
He was told what to do, apparantly. But he is under his own responsibility in the courtroom. He is responsible for the defamation of character he is undergoing.
How responsible is whitmarsh?
He should have conducted a debrief of Ryan and Hamilton to find out what happened in the Steward's office, or he should have ensured that someone else did.
Do the FIA have a share of responsibility?
Yes. Steward's meetings should be minuted or transcripted. They should also use all tools available to them - specifically the radio transmissions. They are under their own responsibility, and they should be on top of possible opportunism.
If Mclaren are found guilty, what do you think would be a fair punishment?
I think a fair punishment has already been administered. Anything beyond would be unfair and might result in job dismissals which would be extremely unfair as it is based on the decisions of one man.
Overall thoughts on the affair.
Reads like an episode of the thick of it to be honest. Small error, snowballs into a coverup and then a crucifixion. As far as I can see, there seems to be a lot of bloodlust around.
Will Heikki make lap 2 in Shanghai?
Dear god no. Only if he crashes over the start finish line.
